Cardiovascular Toxicities Associated with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors

Purpose of Review To provide a detailed overview of cardiovascular adverse events associated with the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors across different tumor types. Recent Findings Despite an undeniable survival advantage of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in patients with hematologic or solid malignancies, the accompanying off-target cardiovascular adverse events can be life-threatening. In patients with B cell malignancies, the use of Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors has been associated with atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, as well as hypertension. Cardiovascular toxic profiles are heterogeneous among the several approved breakpoint cluster region (BCR)-ABL TKIS. Notably, imatinib might be cardioprotective. Vascular endothelial growth factor TKIs, constituting the central axis in the treatment of several solid tumors, including renal cell carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma, have strongly been associated with hypertension and arterial ischemic events. Epidermal growth factor TKIs as therapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have been reported to be infrequently associated with heart failure and QT prolongation. Summary While tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been demonstrated to increase overall survival across different types of cancers, special consideration should be given to cardiovascular toxicities. High-risk patients can be identified by undergoing a comprehensive workup at baseline.

Automated summary

The purpose of this review is to provide a detailed overview of the cardiovascular adverse events associated with the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in different types of tumors. Recent findings have shown that while tyrosine kinase inhibitors have a survival advantage, they can also cause life-threatening cardiovascular adverse events. Different tyrosine kinase inhibitors have varying cardiovascular toxic profiles, with imatinib possibly being cardioprotective. Vascular endothelial growth factor tyrosine kinase inhibitors are strongly associated with hypertension and arterial ischemic events in the treatment of solid tumors.